Elizabeth McCracken’s “It’s Bad Luck to Die” seems to be much deeper than a typical love story. It’s not a “girl meets boy” romance, but a story of self-love and peace with the main character’s husband, Tiny, as the catalyst. From the very beginning, the author sets up Lois’ journey: ascension, crucifixion, and eventually the ability to be proud. She lives careless of any disruption her presence has on others and more confident of her place in the world.

Lois leaves a conservative background for an older tattoo artist, and while she worries about how people perceive her, she grows into a stronger individual through her tattoos. Tiny permanently places his passion and love for her on her skin. Through the relationship, he creates confidence and worth in a woman who has previously lacked it. She becomes at ease in her own body, and even after Tiny’s death she wears her skin without regret.